In the summer of 2021, the U.S. evacuated more than 80,000 people from Afghanistan following the military's withdrawal and the Taliban takeover. Idaho has resettled more than 560 men, women and children from Afghanistan since then.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the evacuation, we honor the sacrifice our Afghan allies have made and continue to focus on creating opportunities for their success here in Idaho. Many are still seeking a pathway to permanent legal status — humanitarian parole was granted only for period of two years — and are longing to reunite with family members who were left behind. (Here's a helpful fact sheet on the proposed Afghan Adjustment Act).
Below you'll find resources for arrivals from Afghanistan and for other community members who would like to lend a hand.
IMMIGRATION & RESETTLEMENT RESOURCES
Immigration attorneys are available to provide free expert guidance to arrivals in the Afghan Placement & Assistance Program who are applying for permanent legal status. If you are an APA client, please find guidance here in English, Dari ( دری) and Pashto (پښتو).
For resources in multiple languages about getting settled in your new community, download the Settle In app or follow the Settle In Facebook page. Settle In is a non-governmental organization created to provide reliable information to Afghans resettling in the United States.
For other inquiries, please reach out to your resettlement agency or find more resources from the U.S. Department of State.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
NATIONAL RESOURCES & CONTACTS
SIV PROGRAM: Special Immigrant Visas are available to individuals who have worked as translators, interpreters, or other professionals employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan. SIV holders receive the same benefits and services as do refugees under the U.S. Refugee Assistance Program.
Find more information about eligibility and application requirements here.
PRIORITY VISAS: Priority 2 (P2) visas are for Afghans who may be at risk due to their U.S. affiliation but who do not qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa. These folks may have been employed by U.S. NGOs, media organizations, human rights groups, or subcontractors of the U.S. government.
Priority 3 (P3) status (or ‘family reunification’ status) is given to spouses, unmarried children under age 21, or parents of individuals already admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees. P3 application processes must be completed outside the country of origin.
Find more information about P2 and P3 eligibility and application forms here.
For additional questions related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, contact USRAPAfghanInquiries@state.gov.
If you are a P2 applicant and in immediate danger, call the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Protection Line at (+93) 079 069 1746 or (+93) 070 499 6168 or email afgkaprt@unhcr.org.
HUMANITARIAN PAROLE: You may apply for humanitarian parole if you have a compelling emergency and there is an urgent humanitarian reason or significant public benefit to allowing you to temporarily enter the United States. Find application details here from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the evacuation, we honor the sacrifice our Afghan allies have made and continue to focus on creating opportunities for their success here in Idaho. Many are still seeking a pathway to permanent legal status — humanitarian parole was granted only for period of two years — and are longing to reunite with family members who were left behind. (Here's a helpful fact sheet on the proposed Afghan Adjustment Act).
Below you'll find resources for arrivals from Afghanistan and for other community members who would like to lend a hand.
IMMIGRATION & RESETTLEMENT RESOURCES
Immigration attorneys are available to provide free expert guidance to arrivals in the Afghan Placement & Assistance Program who are applying for permanent legal status. If you are an APA client, please find guidance here in English, Dari ( دری) and Pashto (پښتو).
For resources in multiple languages about getting settled in your new community, download the Settle In app or follow the Settle In Facebook page. Settle In is a non-governmental organization created to provide reliable information to Afghans resettling in the United States.
For other inquiries, please reach out to your resettlement agency or find more resources from the U.S. Department of State.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Idahoans wanting to help with Neighbors United's affordable housing efforts can find more information at houseyourneighbor.org.
- Sign up to create a certified sponsor circle to support new Afghan neighbors: www.sponsorcircles.org
- Find support and guidance through the Refugee Welcome Collective.
- See CORE's Cultural Orientation Toolkit for community partners and sponsors.
- Volunteer with or donate to a resettlement agency:
- Agency for New Americans, Boise
- International Rescue Committee, Boise
- College of Southern Idaho Refugee Programs, Twin Falls
- Catholic Charities of Idaho community resettlement partnership, Pocatello
- Glocal Community Partners in Boise organizes social events, accepts donated items and teaches English.
- City of Good partners with Boise restaurants to provide meals to families in temporary housing.
- Bridges is a community group of volunteers that supports refugees in Southwest Idaho.
- The English Language Center provides language training and cultural orientation to all new refugee arrivals in Boise. Support their efforts by donating classroom supplies, financial donations or volunteers.
- Be a mentor or employer with Global Talent, which connects highly skilled refugees and immigrants to employers and advancement opportunities.
NATIONAL RESOURCES & CONTACTS
SIV PROGRAM: Special Immigrant Visas are available to individuals who have worked as translators, interpreters, or other professionals employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan. SIV holders receive the same benefits and services as do refugees under the U.S. Refugee Assistance Program.
Find more information about eligibility and application requirements here.
PRIORITY VISAS: Priority 2 (P2) visas are for Afghans who may be at risk due to their U.S. affiliation but who do not qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa. These folks may have been employed by U.S. NGOs, media organizations, human rights groups, or subcontractors of the U.S. government.
Priority 3 (P3) status (or ‘family reunification’ status) is given to spouses, unmarried children under age 21, or parents of individuals already admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees. P3 application processes must be completed outside the country of origin.
Find more information about P2 and P3 eligibility and application forms here.
For additional questions related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, contact USRAPAfghanInquiries@state.gov.
If you are a P2 applicant and in immediate danger, call the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Protection Line at (+93) 079 069 1746 or (+93) 070 499 6168 or email afgkaprt@unhcr.org.
HUMANITARIAN PAROLE: You may apply for humanitarian parole if you have a compelling emergency and there is an urgent humanitarian reason or significant public benefit to allowing you to temporarily enter the United States. Find application details here from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Idaho Office for refugees1607 W. Jefferson St.
Boise, ID 83702 208.336.4222 |
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